The PlayStation 4 specifications have been released after the initial February 20 announcement from Sony. Still no backwards compatibility…for any PlayStation 3 game, but services will be available to stream PS1, PS2 and PS3 games. One of my biggest questions was answered – the disc drive. Game format will be downloadable and optical disc. The “cloud”-like downloading trend made me wonder if the PS4 would even have a disc drive.

Another big one – No DualShock 3 controller support. The new DualShock 4 controller will have a special lightbar so the new PlayStation 4 camera can track the controller’s 3D location. The Share button on the DualShock 4 controller will provide direct social media posting options and the PlayStation Move will be used with the PS4.

PlayStation Vita owners can rejoice. The handheld PlayStation Vita console will act as second device (similar to the current Wii U GamePad) where players can download games and even play them when away from the main PS4 console plus mobile/tablet device owners can complete similar action through the PlayStation App. Connected play with Internet connection has advantages, but Sony promises they have considered offline gameplay as well for the PS4.